Clifton Park author releases new book

CLIFTON PARK — Janine De Tillio Cammarata, local author and president of Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation, is no stranger to writing about tough topics.

But with her latest book, she’s taking them on in a new way.

“The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer’s Eggs,” is the first book in a middle-grade fantasy series and the newest of several books Cammarata has published.

The Clifton Park resident started writing it in 2007 and it began as an adventure story for her children. But things changed when her son was diagnosed with Leukemia.

“I meant it as a memoir to for them, but then Nick passed away in 2008,” Cammarata said. She put the book on the back burner for several years and focused on her work with the Foundation.

But about three years ago, she picked it back up and gave it a new focus.

“11-year-old Luke is in the hospital and he’s hoping for a distraction,” Cammarata said. He starts working on this puzzle, that eventually brings him, his brother and two friends into another world.

Luke is based on her son Nick, and the story even includes a scene from a swim meet taken right out of Nick’s life. The three other main characters are Peter—who resembles Nick’s brother—Rose and Mark, who are based on Nick’s close friends.

In “The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer’s Eggs,” Peter tries desperately to help Luke get better and goes on a dangerous quest with Rose and Mark.

Writing the book was difficult, Cammarata said, but it was also healing. Nick was an avid reader and had a big influence on some of Cammarata’s other works and this one was no different.

The book takes chances, taking on topics like terminal illness with quests and fantasy adventures. According to Cammarata, a few local teachers and staff members at Albany Medical have given the book to kids with serious illnesses. While stories can be fun to read, they can also be healing, Cammarata said.

“It’s about enduring friendship, never giving up and it’s a book about dealing with anything life-threatening,” Cammarata said.

At 3 p.m on Nov. 18, Cammarata will be at the Book House of Stuyvesant Plaza for a book signing. There will also be a launch party from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Sun. Dec. 10 at the Clifton Park Halfmoon Public Library.

Partial proceeds of the books go to Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation, which assists kids, teens and adults who are being treated for cancer. For more information, visit janinedetilliocammarata.com.

What's Being Said?

"I just wanted to let you know that I loved your book. I have been an avid reader of fantasy based novels or most of my life and I found this one refreshing and highly engaging. I truly hope there will be a few more books in this cycle. Thanks!"

Rebecca

"Eyes of the Goddess, Book Two of the Fianna Cycle, takes up where Warriors Within left off. Present-day New York City is entwined with 3rd century Ireland by their respective inhabitants, Michaela Sommers and Maecha Ruadh Mac Art, heiress to the throne of Tara. Michaela is involved in a search for the drug lord who killed her father, Police Narcotics Officer Jack Sommers, while Maecha is about to embark on a voyage to Alba (ancient Scotland) to free her father, King Cormac, who had been kidnapped by the Picts. The two worlds are connected by the dream travel of Michaela, the chief druid Finnius Amergin, and Natalie, a child who exists in NYC but is destined to save ancient Ireland from ruin. Cammarata's keen knowledge of Celtic lore and skill in martial arts combine to create an exciting story of ancient battles, gods and magic, honor, loyalty and love. Young adults who love a good adventure story will certainly love this one. While Eyes of the Goddess can be read as a stand-alone, readers will want to start with Warriors Within to experience the full epic tale."

Joan Weiskotten

Young Adult LibrarianClifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library

"Your book is excellent – a picture of Celtic landscape and adventure remained in my mind long after I completed the novel - I am looking forward to your sequel!"

Mary

"'What is the quest?' Luke asked, not getting pulled into the excitement of an adventure, even if that was what he had just been hoping for."

Luke is an active 11-year-old who loves to swim—until one day he is sidelined with an illness that has him bedridden in the hospital. His family, including his brother, Peter, would do anything for Luke to get better. One day, upon waking in the hospital, Luke finds a puzzle next to his bed. Thinking it is a gift from a family member, he and Peter put the puzzle together. But this is no ordinary puzzle. Placing the final puzzle piece brings the puzzle to life and transports Luke and Peter into a medieval world of dragons and knights. A princess named Meriwether needs their help and in exchange will grant them each a wish. Longing for his brother to get better, Peter agrees, and Luke is excited about an adventure away from his hospital room.

The brothers take a journey to a faraway magical land where they must help Meriwether’s dragon, Shimmer, find all her stolen eggs. But that will prove to be more challenging than either brother thought. Each adventure leads them closer to their goal, and they even bring along their best friends, Mark and Rose. But will they find all the eggs in time? Will they get their wish? Will Luke get better and be able to leave the hospital?

Cammarata has a vision for medieval worlds and dragons and delightfully portrays that world for young readers. This book is perfectly matched to the minds of 8-12-year-olds and will captivate both boys and girls alike. There are adventures, dragons, knights, kings, and princesses, all twisted together in a beautifully told story of hope and determination. It is a tale of adventure and love.

RECOMMENDED by the US Review

"Cammarata's action packed storytelling never lets up. The urgency of the pacing draws the reader into Maecha's world quickly, but it is the fierceness of her loyalty and love that defines the narrative. Well-developed details ground the magical elements and make a world where people time travel in their dreams and are friends with gods believable. Jumping from the ancient past to modern day is at first jarring, but as the characters' lives weave together, their complicated relationships deepen the meaning of the story and give it a powerful sense of destiny fulfilled. "

The US Review of Books

"I really enjoyed this book. I love Celtic stories. I really enjoyed the dreaming aspect to the book as well. How in our dreams we can go anywhere . The characters in this book , knew that and took advantage of it.

I had read "Warriors Within", which was her first book. I looked forward to reading this sequel (Eyes of the Goddess) and was not disappointed. I look forward to her next book!!"

V. McCarney

"The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer's Eggs is amazing. Haven't been able to put it down. What a wonderful magical adventure!!"

Melissa

Adult Writing Workshop Review

"This well-thought-out course covered the essentials of creative writing in a logical progression. Class discussion and activities as well as assignments were thought-provoking and stimulating."

"The girls' best treat yesterday (Halloween) was picking up their personalized copy of Shimmer's Eggs from our favorite author! The girls were beta readers a couple of years ago before it went to press!

Time travel, enduring friendships, and persevering during hard times...this book is best for midde elementary aged readers...but I loved it too! Heart-warming, an adventure-filled story about childhood bonds that wishstand place and time!"

Felicia

"I usually read mysteries or non fiction. Every once in a while I like to try something different. If you like J.R.R. Tolkien or the Chronicles of Narnia this is a good fit. I enjoyed the story line and the character development. I wonder if and when book 2 will be available?"

Marla

Adult Writing Workshop Reviews

"Through this class I was finally able to complete something that I am confident about."

"I bought The Warrior Within at a fundraiser although it was not the type of book I usually purchase. I have been missing out..! I was immediately hooked and disappointed that it took so long for Eyes of the Goddess to be published. Please know that I purchased Eyes of the Goddess through Amazon and appreciate how quickly it was delivered. I am amazed a the skill of the author in being able to transition from the present to the past without losing the reader in the process. I love the Celtic aspect and the storyline continues to keep me addicted to this trilogy. I am eagerly waiting for the next (and unfortunately the last) book to be published. A whole new world of books has been opened to me though my initial purchase of The Warrior Within"

Ann Frantti

"I SO enjoyed your work, I didn’t want to put it down, and then didn’t want it to end. I am very excited for the next book in the series, to continue my adventure with the sisters."

Judi

Adult Journaling Workshop Reviews

"Being able to take time to journal and focus on myself has been an incredible experience."

The Writer's Journal School Program

“Janine Cammarata, a natural teacher of her craft, is able to ignite a spark even in your most reluctant writer!”

Whether it's in a notebook, blog, or sketchpad journaling can help you lead a whole and fulfilling life. It's a way to keep track of goals, life activities, dreams, and is very fun! Learn the many ways to express yourself! Each workshop will be different so come to them all!

Writing Workshop with Shimmer's Eggs

WEDNESDAYS, APRIL 11, 18, 25 AND MAY 9 FROM 3:45PM-4:45PM

Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library

Children's Activity Room

For grades 4 & 5 or home-schooled equivalent, registration is required and begins two weeks prior to first session. Attendance at all sessions is requested. Join local author, Janine De Tillio Cammarata on a magical quest to create characters and adventures based on your imagination and ideas from her latest book, The Puzzle Quests: Shimmer’s Eggs. Snacks will be served. (*FAA)

DIGITAL STORYTELLING FOR TEENS

APRIL 11, 18, 25, MAY 9 FROM 5:00-6:00PM

CLIFTON PARK-HALFMOON PUBLIC LIBRARY--PIRACCI BOARD ROOM

Collaborate and Create! The group will work together to write and illustrate a story, then create a short video featuring their voices and artwork. The final project will be an illustrated digital story they can share with others. No experience needed!